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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
and would be suitable for immersing yourself in music or TV as they have good overall sound and comfort. However, they aren't wireless, lack a microphone for calls, and their bulky design can be less convenient for travel or exercise. In contrast, JBL Live Buds 3 are more expensive, but offer wireless convenience, sweatproof certification, and active noise cancelling—making them better for exercise, travel, and noisy environments. They also feature smart charging case with an LED touch display and they have better build quality, controls, and apps for equalizer customization, but their sound may not be as immersive for gaming or watching TV due to latency issues. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.2
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
5.9
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.9
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the JBL Live Buds 3
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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